March 6

It’s March now! Are you still working on that New Year’s Resolution? So far, I’m doing okay, but I’m looking forward to working in the garden and taking walks outside in the warm weather! In the meantime, I am eating healthier and one way to do that is by incorporating sprouts into my diet. Have you ever eaten those funky looking things? How about growing them?

If you’re on a health kick or you enjoy flavorful salads and sandwiches, you may already be eating sprouts. They are usually available in the produce department of your grocery store. Did you know you could grow sprouts in your house for those salads and sandwiches? Yep, and I can verify it’s pretty easy, not to mention really fun, especially for the kids! It is something that only takes a short amount of time, and you are rewarded with sprouts aplenty! Cathy Hanson at Sargent’s on 2nd is an experienced sprout grower, having grown them with her daughter. She also guarantees it to be very easy and fun! Stop in and visit with her, she has lots of great ideas and is willing to share.

There are a lot of ways to grow your own sprouts, but the easiest way is to head to Sargent’s on 2nd, where they have Seed Sprouting Kits and a variety of seeds that are great for growing sprouts. They have quite a selection and the following are a few options for you to sprout:
Adzuki- Sweet, nutty flavor and great for a stir fry
Alfalfa- Crisp and sweet flavor
Chickpeas- High in protein and great in salads
Cowpeas- Sweet and nutty
Mung Beans- Delicious Chinese bean sprouts
Onion Sprouts-Hint of onion for your salads
Broccoli- For health and nutrition
Lentil- Delicious addition to your sandwiches

Sprouting seeds will only take a few days, depending on what you choose. Soak, Rinse, and Grow! It’s that simple and very rewarding!

Not sure about eating sprouts? Well, let me tell you about the next best thing for indoor gardening, wheat grass. Growing wheat grass is just as easy! Simply place wheat grass seeds in a pot with soil. You can use a saucer or decorative containers, too even Easter Baskets. The wheat grass grows into a beautiful “lawn” that is a perfect place to hide Easter eggs and can be cut like you would mow the lawn. It grows rapidly and does require a haircut from time to time, so get out your scissors. Cats enjoy the grass, as well, and it is great for their digestive tract. Wheat grass seeds can also be used to grow sprouts and are known of their nutrition. Cathy calls growing wheat grass, “Gardening without a Garden.”

Good luck with your New Year’s Resolution and try sprouting a few seeds in the kitchen. It is very rewarding when you can eat something you have grown yourself!

Don't be afraid to try the sprouts; they really are good! If they are not tempting, I still hope you enjoyed reading about them. Let me know if you have any questions or have an interest in something you’d like to read about. I can be reached at wajasper@sargentsgardens.com

Think Spring-It’s closer than you think!
Wendy Jasper
MNLA Certified Professional

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